As Kabaddi is growing leaps and bounds across the globe, it has become a sport which has transfigured many enthusiasts. The journey from soil to the mat has faced a lot of roadblocks. However, it is about time Kabaddi achieves a major recognition in 2019.
On 17th November 2018, World Kabaddi (WK) announced the launch of World Cup Kabaddi 2019 in Temasek Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia. With the motto '1 Vision, 1 Spirit, 1 Kabaddi', this event is set to become the biggest progression in the history of Kabaddi.
As per the announcement, World Cup Kabaddi 2019 will begin from 2nd April 2019 to 15th April 2019 in the city of Melaka, Malaysia which will be hosted by the Malaysia Kabaddi Federation (MKF).
A total of 24 teams in the women's category and 32 teams in the men's category will contest for the World Cup in Melaka. It has never happened in the history of Kabaddi that teams from all continents will feature in the 2-week tournament.
The Governor of Melaka, Tun Datuk Seri Utama Dr Mohd Khalil bin Yaakob officially announced ar the launch of this event which will witness a total of 146 matches. Around 1000 delegates and 40 member nations are ready to participate in this event.
Countries like India, England, Mauritius, Malaysia, Samoa, Canada, Egypt, Mexico, Afganistan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Kenya, etc. are few out of many nations which are ready to adapt Kabaddi and participate in this event. There shall be at least 16 teams from outside Asia.
For the Indian Kabaddi Team, New Kabaddi Federation (NKF) is likely to make the selection for the squad out of the best performers in the Indo International Premier Kabaddi League (IIPKL).
Mr. Ashok Kumar Das is the president of World Kabaddi (WK) formed on March 2018. The T.V. and online broadcast partners are yet to be announced by the World Kabaddi. Many nations have shown major interest in participating in the tournament which will be addressed by the federation in the days to come.
As Kabaddi grows just like how a flower blooms towards the sunlight, the world is ready to adapt Kabaddi and cross leaps and bounds of enthusiasm with the aim of one day taking the game to the Olympics.